Reducing Risk Through Two-Ball Betting in Golf

Reducing Risk Through Two-Ball Betting in Golf

The size of a PGA Tour field on any given weekend can range from 120 to 156 players, an overwhelming number for any bettor to fully contemplate.

Everybody knows the big names that dominate the golf betting markets — the likes of Rory, Rickie, D.J., and Phil. But Kevin Tway, Martin Trainer, and Adam Long, all PGA event winners during the 2018-19 campaign? Not so much.

And not only are the chances of picking a tournament winner long — surely, everyone had Keith Mitchell at the 2019 Honda Classic, right? — even on those rare cases when Rory McIlroy or Rickie Fowler comes through, the odds often don’t make it the most lucrative of wagers.

Some golf bettors still take a swing at it; for others, there are perhaps better ways to reduce risk and increase the chances of more regular returns.

Two-Ball Alternative

The alternative are bets that sound like golf games themselves: two-ball and three-ball, depending on the size of the player groupings in any given round of any given tournament. Rather than betting on a player to best the entire field, you’re wagering on a player to shoot the lowest score in his two-man or three-man group. The chances of picking winners are greatly increased, and the odds of underdogs in the group can be quite appealing given the limited number of players.

Players typically tee off in threesomes in the opening two rounds of a tournament, and twosomes in the latter two rounds. Some books allow for betting on a tie as well, while others void the bet in that instance. Bets can also be voided or impacted should one player in the grouping not tee off, or withdraw before the round is complete.

Who to Choose?

Which players to choose for a two-ball or three-ball bet? While personal preference plays a part, it’s important to weigh a player’s performance in recent tournaments as well as showings in that particular event.

It’s not uncommon for a player in a slump, for example, to rediscover his form and regain his confidence on a course where he’s enjoyed success before.

Also, which round are you betting on? Early rounds allow more room for underdogs to rise up, where final rounds carry a degree of pressure that not every player has faced before. It’s important to keep abreast of weather conditions, and know how long or tight courses historically favor big hitters or more accurate iron strikers, respectively.

Research and Strategy

Breaking the immense field down into more digestible pieces helps a bettor make a clearer assessment of each grouping, and better manage risk. Achieving regular returns in the two-ball or three-ball markets takes research and practice, and savvy golf bettors go in with a strategy of how they want their wagers to be placed.

Some make carefully selected bets, limiting their risk to just those players in a few groups. Others spread their bets across several different pairings, with the aim of covering themselves against potential ties. Still more use the two- and three-ball market as a hedge against bigger risk plays.

However you choose to do it, the two- and three-ball markets offer more variety and value, better odds, a better chance of winning, and more fun. They give bettors the chance of cashing tickets, even if Keith Mitchell takes home the trophy.

Check Out Popular Golf Betting Event Offers:

Recommended Betting Sites

Bell Icon
Affiliate Disclosure: At Gambling.com, we want to ensure that players are matched with the right casino and sportsbook offers for them. For this reason, some of the recommended site links are affiliate links. This means that if you visit a website through our link and make a deposit, Gambling.com will receive a commission payment at no extra cost to you. At Gambling.com, we want to ensure that players are matched with the right casino and sportsbook offers for them. For this reason, some of the recommended site links are affiliate links. More
  1. 1
    Bet UK Sports
    Established 2012
    More Details
    Brand Ambassador Teddy Sheringham
    Live Streaming of UK Horse Racing
    Acca Club: £5 Free Bet Every Week
    Bonus Code
    The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
    not required
    Live Streaming
    Is there live streaming of sporting events?
    Yes
    In-Play Betting
    The number of sports with in-play betting available
    9
    Bet Builder
    Can you create your own personalised bets?
    Yes
    Cash Out
    Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
    Yes
    Acca Insurance
    Refund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
    Yes
    BetUK have former England footballer Teddy Sheringham and six time champion jockey Kieren Fallon as brand ambassadors and betting experts.
  2. Awarded 'Sportsbook of the Year' 2018/19/20/21
    Live Streaming of 1000's of Events
    2 Goals Ahead Early Payout Offer
    Bonus Code
    The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
    not required
    Live Streaming
    Is there live streaming of sporting events?
    Yes
    In-Play Betting
    The number of sports with in-play betting available
    31
    Bet Builder
    Can you create your own personalised bets?
    Yes
    Cash Out
    Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
    Yes
    Acca Insurance
    Refund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
    No
    Bet365 offer the most comprehensive online sports betting service, including live steaming of a huge range of sports, plus a unique 'Edit Bet' functionality.
  3. 3
    Spreadex Betting
    Established 1999
    More Details
    Primary Shirt Sponsor of Burnley FC
    Football First Goalscorer Insurance
    Horse Racing '2nd to a Rag' Insurance
    Bonus Code
    The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
    not required
    Live Streaming
    Is there live streaming of sporting events?
    No
    In-Play Betting
    The number of sports with in-play betting available
    20
    Bet Builder
    Can you create your own personalised bets?
    Yes
    Cash Out
    Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
    Yes
    Acca Insurance
    Refund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
    No
    Spreadex is the only UK betting site to offer traditional sportsbook fixed-odds betting as well as sports spread betting and financial trading from the same account. It is also one of the few betting companies to offer credit facilities - meaning sports betters can place bets without having to first deposit funds.
  4. 4
    Hey Spin Sports
    Established 2020
    More Details
    Dual Sportsbook & Casino Platform
    Extensive Range of Football Markets
    Accumulator Boosts of up to 77%
    Bonus Code
    The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
    not required
    Live Streaming
    Is there live streaming of sporting events?
    No
    In-Play Betting
    The number of sports with in-play betting available
    18
    Bet Builder
    Can you create your own personalised bets?
    Yes
    Cash Out
    Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
    Yes
    Acca Insurance
    Refund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
    No
    Heyspin is an online betting site that offers both sports betting and online casino games. Their impressive sportsbook platform offers a huge range of markets, including in-play betting and cash-out options.
  5. UK's Leading Horse Racing Pool Betting Operator
    Home of the Placepot & Exclusive Placepot App
    Never Beaten by SP on Horse Racing with Tote+
    Bonus Code
    The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
    not required
    Live Streaming
    Is there live streaming of sporting events?
    Yes
    In-Play Betting
    The number of sports with in-play betting available
    2
    Bet Builder
    Can you create your own personalised bets?
    No
    Cash Out
    Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
    No
    Acca Insurance
    Refund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
    No
    The Tote offers horse racing pool betting, popular with punters who place small stakes to win large amounts. Favourite bets include the Placepot (picking a horse to be placed in the first six races) and Jackpot/Scoop6 (picking the winner of each of six nominated races on a single day).
  6. Official Betting Partner of Worcester Warriors
    Dual Sportsbook & Casino Platform
    'Wager Wars' Leaderboard & Cash Prizes
    Bonus Code
    The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
    SB30
    Live Streaming
    Is there live streaming of sporting events?
    No
    In-Play Betting
    The number of sports with in-play betting available
    48
    Bet Builder
    Can you create your own personalised bets?
    Yes
    Cash Out
    Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
    Yes
    Acca Insurance
    Refund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
    No
    TebWin are the official betting partner of Gallagher Premiership rugby union club Worcester Warriors and offer a very simple and easy to navigate betting site.
  7. Long Established Independent Bookmaker
    Unique Horse Racing Free Bet Refunds
    Racing Ambassadors Hayley Turner & Tom Cannon
    Bonus Code
    The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
    not required
    Live Streaming
    Is there live streaming of sporting events?
    No
    In-Play Betting
    The number of sports with in-play betting available
    10
    Bet Builder
    Can you create your own personalised bets?
    Yes
    Cash Out
    Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
    Yes
    Acca Insurance
    Refund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
    No
    Betgoodwin is the new online betting site from the independently owned Goodwin Racing telephone betting service. They offer a variety of horse racing special offers as well as betting on a variety of other sports.
  8. Live Betting & Cash-Out Options
    Well Designed & Easy To Use Interface
    ‘Boost Up’ Accumulator Boosts
    Bonus Code
    The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
    not required
    Live Streaming
    Is there live streaming of sporting events?
    No
    In-Play Betting
    The number of sports with in-play betting available
    12
    Bet Builder
    Can you create your own personalised bets?
    No
    Cash Out
    Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
    Yes
    Acca Insurance
    Refund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
    No
    Luckster is a dual sportsbook and casino platform with a vaguely Irish theme, including the inevitable leprechaun logo and shamrock imagery.
  9. 10
    Zet Bet Sports
    Established 2022
    More Details
    Fast & Clean Betting Interface
    'Zet Boost' Accumulator Boosts
    Broad Range of Sports & Esports Markets
    Bonus Code
    The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
    not required
    Live Streaming
    Is there live streaming of sporting events?
    No
    In-Play Betting
    The number of sports with in-play betting available
    21
    Bet Builder
    Can you create your own personalised bets?
    No
    Cash Out
    Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
    Yes
    Acca Insurance
    Refund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
    No
    ZetBet is a new to market UK betting site that includes an attractive sportsbook with excellent filters to enable you to find your bet quickly and easily.
  10. 12
    Kwiff Sports
    Established 2015
    More Details
    Random Supercharged Payouts
    Weekly ‘kwiff Club’ Cashback & Free Bets
    ‘Acca Shield’ Refund (if One Leg Fails)
    Bonus Code
    The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
    not required
    Live Streaming
    Is there live streaming of sporting events?
    Yes
    In-Play Betting
    The number of sports with in-play betting available
    13
    Bet Builder
    Can you create your own personalised bets?
    No
    Cash Out
    Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
    Yes
    Acca Insurance
    Refund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
    Yes
    When a customer places a bet with kwiff, they may find that their bet is “kwiffed” - where you receive increased odds after placing your bet.
  11. Dual Sportsbook & Casino Platform
    Free Bet Thursdays - Earn Free Bets Every Week
    Accumulator Boosts of up to 77%
    Bonus Code
    The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
    not required
    Live Streaming
    Is there live streaming of sporting events?
    No
    In-Play Betting
    The number of sports with in-play betting available
    25
    Bet Builder
    Can you create your own personalised bets?
    Yes
    Cash Out
    Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
    Yes
    Acca Insurance
    Refund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
    Yes
    BZeebet is a fresh new betting site, but they offer everything we expect from the best online bookmakers, including features such as live betting, cash out, bet builder and accumulator boosts.
  12. 14
    Leo Vegas Sports
    Established 2016
    More Details
    Mobile First Betting Interface
    'Leo King' Sports Prediction Game
    24/7 Customer Service
    Bonus Code
    The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
    not required
    Live Streaming
    Is there live streaming of sporting events?
    Yes
    In-Play Betting
    The number of sports with in-play betting available
    34
    Bet Builder
    Can you create your own personalised bets?
    Yes
    Cash Out
    Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
    Yes
    Acca Insurance
    Refund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
    No
    Leo Vegas Sports is the sportsbook from this multi-award-winning casino operator, with a focus on mobile users - including a sport betting app for Android & iOS Devices.
  13. Official UK Betting Partner of Fulham FC
    Regular Money-Back Specials
    'Racing Sportsbook of the Year' 2020
    Bonus Code
    The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
    not required
    Live Streaming
    Is there live streaming of sporting events?
    No
    In-Play Betting
    The number of sports with in-play betting available
    8
    Bet Builder
    Can you create your own personalised bets?
    Yes
    Cash Out
    Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
    Yes
    Acca Insurance
    Refund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
    No
    Fitzdares have offered a boutique bookmaker service to members of their exclusive Mayfair Club (The Fitzdares Club) since 1882, but have now launched an online sportsbook open to all.
  14. 16
    BetVictor Sports
    Established 1946
    More Details
    Long Established UK Bookmaker
    BV Loyalty Club - Weekly £5 Free Bet
    Free to Play 'Pick 6' Predictor Game
    Bonus Code
    The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
    not required
    Live Streaming
    Is there live streaming of sporting events?
    Yes
    In-Play Betting
    The number of sports with in-play betting available
    12
    Bet Builder
    Can you create your own personalised bets?
    Yes
    Cash Out
    Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
    Yes
    Acca Insurance
    Refund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
    No
    BetVictor is named after founder Victor Chandler (known as the 'Gentleman Bookmaker') and they boast superstar jockey Rachael Blackmore, plus football legends Michael Owen and Harry Redknapp amongst their brand ambassadors and betting experts.
  15. 17
    888 Sports
    Established 1997
    More Details
    Create your own Multiples with Bet Builder
    Live Streaming of all UK & Irish Racing
    Daily Price Enhancements & Specials
    Bonus Code
    The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
    not required
    Live Streaming
    Is there live streaming of sporting events?
    Yes
    In-Play Betting
    The number of sports with in-play betting available
    16
    Bet Builder
    Can you create your own personalised bets?
    Yes
    Cash Out
    Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
    Yes
    Acca Insurance
    Refund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
    Yes
    888sport offer a wide range of sports betting markets, combined with regular enhanced specials, plus an exclusive 'Acca Club' (bet £20 on Multiples or Bet Builder to get a £5 free bet - every week).
  16. 18
    Coral Sports
    Established 2002
    More Details
    One of the UK's Biggest Bookmakers
    Football & Racing 'Super Series' Predictor Games
    'Beaten by a Length' Free Bets
    Bonus Code
    The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
    not required
    Live Streaming
    Is there live streaming of sporting events?
    No
    In-Play Betting
    The number of sports with in-play betting available
    14
    Bet Builder
    Can you create your own personalised bets?
    No
    Cash Out
    Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
    No
    Acca Insurance
    Refund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
    Yes
    Coral has long established high street shops across the UK and with their industry-leading Coral Connect card you can deposit and withdraw money in shops, alongside a host of other benefits.
  17. 19
    10bet Sports
    Established 2003
    More Details
    Regular Free Bets & Enhanced Odds Specials
    Cutting Edge In-Play Betting Options
    Accumulator Boosts of up to 50%
    Bonus Code
    The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
    not required
    Live Streaming
    Is there live streaming of sporting events?
    No
    In-Play Betting
    The number of sports with in-play betting available
    12
    Bet Builder
    Can you create your own personalised bets?
    Yes
    Cash Out
    Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
    No
    Acca Insurance
    Refund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
    No
    10bet is one of the smaller online bookmaker brands in the UK but they are becoming more popular thanks to their impressive website and daily betting promotions.
  18. 20
    mr.play Sports
    Established 2017
    More Details
    Dual Sportsbook & Casino Platform
    Distinctive ‘Moustache’ Branding
    ‘PlayBoost’ Accumulator Boosts
    Bonus Code
    The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
    not required
    Live Streaming
    Is there live streaming of sporting events?
    No
    In-Play Betting
    The number of sports with in-play betting available
    21
    Bet Builder
    Can you create your own personalised bets?
    No
    Cash Out
    Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
    Yes
    Acca Insurance
    Refund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
    No
    Mr.Play Sports has a fun style of its very own, with a memorable handlebar 'tache wherever you look, but it boasts a serious amount of betting markets, plus Premier League & 'Euro Elite' betting battle tournaments.
Show More
Showing 20 of 41
×